We all need a hug
Embracing the age of hygge may sound alien to most South Africans , but the country has started adopting this philosophy , just like many other countries across the world . Hygge is the Danish and Norwegian word for a “ mood that represents cosiness and a feeling of wellness ”.
With so many of us now living and working from home , it makes sense that this concept , which is more central in Denmark than Norway , is catching on .
Hygge , pronounced ( hyouguh ) is about adapting and improving the experiences of our homes and offices to create a sense of calm so that we are content in our own spaces .
It comes from a Danish word meaning “ to give courage , comfort , joy ”. Hygge is built from the Old Norse word hugr , which later became the hug , and means the soul , mind and consciousness .
Denmark consistently ranks as the happiest country in the world . And the philosophy is hardly surprising considering its freezing temperatures throughout most of the year , which require comfort .
This is a very different picture to South Africa , which enjoys four seasons , with a mostly temperate climate consisting of sunny and dry days .
So now that we know that the concept is about feeling snug , safe , slowing down the pace of life and being aware , how does one exactly practise hygge ? It became so popular , that it was awarded word of the year by the Oxford Dictionary in 2016 .
According to The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking , the philosophy is more about an atmosphere and an experience , instead of things .
However , no matter where you live , he says everyone can have a hygge emergency kit when they need some selfcare – especially at night .
Wiking suggests that the stash includes candles , good-quality chocolate , your favourite tea , book and / or film , box set or series , jam , woollen socks , a selection of your favourite letters , a notebook , a blanket , paper and pen , music and a photo album .
Other ideas include bringing nature inside your home and office such as plants or twigs , unplugging from technology so that you learn to be more present , indulging in comfort eating , and filling your space with pillows and big blankets .
With South Africa in the firm grip of winter , and the daily stress and trauma brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic not yet over , now may just be the opportune time for South Africans to embrace the age of hygge .
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